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Integrated Amplifier
PMA-SA1
Balancing dynamic power and delicate details in sound,
the fruit of many years of DENON audio technology and experience.
The "S1 Series" that appeared in 1993 was a reference-class audio series designed to please the most discerning of all audiophiles. The primary
objective of the S1 Series was to reproduce "reality"---- a deeper, more natural sound. Continuing the same quest for high-quality sound
reproduction that the S1 Series had been pursuing, the PMA-SA1 combines the latest audio technologies with the reliability that DENON's
amplifiers have earned over the past 10 years. From the external design to the details on the inside, the PMA-SA1 has been developed as a
member of the new SA Series embodying the essence of DENON's advanced audio technologies. With new advances in audio formats and the
ability now of many households to enjoy multi-channel sound in their own home theatres, "authentic sound" is in even greater demand.
The SA Series represents DENON's latest offering of possibilities in pure 2-channel audio for today's most dedicated music lovers.
■ UHC-MOS, the ideal large-current amplifier
The ideal amplifier uses a minimum number of amplifier elements to control output
current. Obtaining large output from simple circuitry, however, requires elements
capable of handling incredibly large current. Since its development of the
POA-S1, DENON has been employing the UHC-MOS large-current amplifier
element in its amplifiers. DENON's UHC-MOS uses single push-pull technology to
configure the ideal circuit for a large-output amp. The UHC-MOS has a gain that is
even higher than that of bipolar transistors; with a single element, the UHC-MOS
achieves the current linearity of 35 MOS-FETs and 3 bipolars. The UHC-MOS
incorporates the capability of MOS-FETs to reproduce the delicate nuances of
music and thus masterfully reproduces the full sonic range, from the sound of a
violin solo that gradually tapers off into the acoustics of the hall, to the dramatic
climax of a full orchestra that causes heaven and earth to tremble.
■ Cascode Bootstrap Connection,
to bring out the maximum potential of UHC-MOS
This UHC-MOS that boasts large current and superior linearity on its own suffers
from low pressure resistance and large junction capacity. Solving these
shortcomings is the Cascode Bootstrap Connection, a technology that ensures
stable operation and brings out the UHC-MOS's outstanding conversion
characteristics. The cascode boostrap circuitry maintains voltage to the
UHC-MOS at a constant level and solves the size of junction capacity. In addition,
it vastly improves temperature stability to successfully stabilise and bring out the
superior acoustic characteristics of the UHC-MOS.
■ Simple amplifier stage configuration
The cascode boostrap circuitry in the PMA-SA1 achieves ideal characteristics at
the power amplification stage and ensures stable operation. This solution
simplifies the configuration of the power amplification stage and allows the
amplifier to reproduce music with total purity. The stable operation and drive
capabilities of the UHC-MOS also help eliminate sources of resistance that
degrade the quality of the musical signal. This produces a circuit configuration in
which the output stage, equipped with powerful drive capabilities, is directly
connected to the speakers.
■ All-stage balanced amp configuration, to protect clarity of musical signals
The PMA-SA1 has achieved a balance among all stages. Since a balanced
configuration makes it possible to keep internal voltage at a low level, superior
devices for low voltage can also be used. Furthermore, since noise and
interference between circuits can be suppressed and output current to the
speakers is completely separated from the ground circuit, the speakers are driven
purely by the output stage, giving the PMA-SA1 superior drive capabilities. The
resulting sound features a truly realistic spatial expression and the music is full of life.
■ Inverted ∑ Balance Circuit, realising a balanced amp for high sound quality
The PMA-SA1 is endowed with an Inverted ∑ Balance Circuit that supports both
balanced and unbalanced input. This design does not require separate conversion
circuits in the preceding stage but allows the signal to be input directly to the
power stage in a balanced configuration. Along with the UHC-MOS of the output
stage, this circuit adheres to the principle of "simple and straight" to ensure a
beautiful, transparent sound.
■ High-grade 50-diameter volume control for superior sound quality
■ Sand-cast transformer case and capacitor holder
■ Robust power supply for each section
■ Precision Signal Ground Circuit, to preserve signal purity
■ Fully independent phono equaliser amps
■ Chassis construction with 6 independent blocks
■ "Simple & Straight" circuit design
■ Generous use of large gold-plated speaker
terminals and other parts selected for high sound quality
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PMA-SA1
■ European Sound Tune
In the selection of parts for the PMA-SA1, primary emphasis was placed on the
texture and atmosphere created by the sound, since most Europeans come into
contact with live performances in all genres of music on a daily basis and naturally
expect this quality of sound from their sound system at home. Amps that handle
delicate, low-level input signals are particularly
subject to both internal and external vibrations
that adversely affect the sound's transparency
over the entire audible spectrum. To avoid these
difficulties, DENON has devised their own
unique method of combining a variety of
vibration-resistant materials that ensure an ideal
level of silence within the PMA-SA1. Together
with its UHC-MOS single push-pull circuitry and
robust power supply, the PMA-SA1 reproduces
a remarkable musical balance, from the finest
pianissimos to the most powerful fortissimos.
Specifications
Power Amplifier Section
Rated output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 W + 50 W (8Ω, 20 Hz -20 kHz, THD 0.07%)
100 W + 100 W (4Ω, 1kHz, THD 0.7%)
Total Harmonic Distortion . . . . .0.007% (-3dB at rated output, 8Ω, 1 kHz)
Pre Amplifier Section
Equaliser Amp Output . . . . . . . .150mV
Input sensitivity/Impedance . . .PHONO MM: 2.5 mV/47kΩ
BALANCED: 105mV/100kΩ
LINE: 105mV/47kΩ
RIAA deviation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PHONO MM: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.3dB
General
Signal-to-noise ratio . . . . . . . . .PHONO MM:89dB
BALANCED: 105dB
LINE: 105dB
Power consumption . . . . . . . . . .230 W
Dimensions
Weight
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .W434 x H181 x D508 mm
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 kg
*Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
DENON CO., LTD.
KAYABACHO TOWER 14F 1-21-2 SHINKAWA, CHUO-KU, TOKYO 104-0033, JAPAN
www.denon.com
51630305B